Comparison of NTIMS and ICP-OES methods for the determination of boron concentrations in natural fresh and saline waters

Abstract

Determination of B concentrations in natural fresh and saline waters by ICP-OES may be strongly affected by matrix effects resulting in a deviation (shift to apparently lower values) in the order of 10 to 20% (if working without matrix-matched standard solutions), at variance with the NTIMS (Negative Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry) isotope dilution technique which is virtually unaffected by such effects. NTIMS isotope dilution is a highly sensitive, precise and effective technique which requires only trace amounts of boron (1–10 ng B) and allows boron concentrations in natural waters to be analyzed with an analytical uncertainty of ± 2% (2 σ).